Matthew Hayden says, Steve Smith will have his stumps attacked until he regains form
Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden has stated that bowlers will continue to target Steve Smith’s stumps until he regains his form. Smith was dismissed cheaply again, strangled down the leg side by JaspritBumrah, marking a continuation of his struggles in the series after scoring 0 and 17 in Perth.
Hayden described Smith’s dismissal as one of the worst ways to get out, emphasizing that bowlers have been attacking his stumps due to his inability to play well off his legs. “There’s probably only one way to get out that’s worse, and that’s run out off the bowler’s hand,” Hayden remarked on Star Sports. He added that Smith will face consistent pressure until he demonstrates that he is back in form, as he has historically been dynamic in playing shots off his legs.
Notably, this was the third time Bumrah has dismissed Smith in three matches, with the Australian star averaging just 3.33 against him. Hayden also pointed out that doubts seem to be creeping into Smith’s mind, which can create opportunities for opposing teams.
In the ongoing year, Smith has struggled significantly, accumulating only 232 runs from seven matches at an average of 23.20. Meanwhile, Australia extended their lead beyond 100 runs on Day 2 after Travis Head scored his eighth Test hundred.